Slat-supporting beam, assembly, kit and method

Abstract

A beam, a slat support assembly formed thereby, and a slat support kit secure a plurality of slats. The beam extends along a beam axis and includes two beam sidewalls orthogonally extending from a connecting wall. Each of the beam sidewalls is formed with a plurality of slat- receiving recesses. Each recess is inclined relative to the beam axis and includes a slat support side surface, a slat support bottom surface, and a slat fixation surface. The slat fixation surface projects from the slat support bottom surface in spaced relation to the slat support side surface. The slat fixation surface of a first recess and a distal portion of the slat support side surface of a neighboring recess define a fixation projection that is optionally elastically deflectable for broadening a recess in a direction away from the slat support side surface when a slat is tightly received in the recess.

Description

[0001] SLAT-SUPPORTING BEAM, ASSEMBLY, KIT AND METHOD

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] The presently disclosed subject matter generally relates to a beam apparatus for securing slats. More particularly, the present disclosed subject matter relates to a slat-securing beam, and a slat support assembly / kit including the slat-securing beam for enabling users thereof to secure and position a plurality of slats into a louvered arrangement for supporting various physical / visual barrier applications.

[0004] BACKGROUND ART

[0005] References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

[0006] • US 5,639,069

[0007] • US 8,794,598

[0008] • US 2022 / 0220765

[0009] • GB 2,549,540

[0010] • FR 2,942,826

[0011] • KR101977189

[0012] Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0013] GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0014] There is thus provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter a slat-securing beam for structurally receiving and securing a series of slats for forming a louvered apparatus. The beam is alternatively incorporated into first and second slat support assemblies and may be provided as a kit for enhancing a user’s ability to build louvered or slatted formations exemplified by fending or pergola type structures. The slats are firstly received and secured by the slat-securing beam extending from a first beam end to a second beam end along a longitudinal beam axis extending in a first dimension. The slat-securing beam comprises two, laterally opposed beam sidewalls connected by a beam connecting wall extending along at least a portion of a length of the beam.

[0015] The laterally opposed beam sidewalls are spaced apart by the beam connecting wall along a first axis extending in a second dimension, which first axis is orthogonal to the longitudinal beam axis and parallel to the beam connecting wall. Each of the beam sidewalls extend away from the beam connecting wall along a second axis, which second axis extends in a third dimension orthogonal to the longitudinal beam axis and transverse to the beam connecting wall. The beam sidewalls and the beam connecting wall are configured to form a U-shape transverse cross-section or end view profile for allowing a first beam and a second beam (substantially identical in form to the first beam) to be mutually insertable in a first application of the slat-receiving beam.

[0016] The basic slat-receiving beam comprises a central transverse plane that extends orthogonally relative to the longitudinal beam axis and is positioned equidistantly from the beam first end and the beam second end. When a parent beam of full beam length is cut, severed, or portioned along the central transverse plane, two substantially identical child beams can be formed, each with a half beam length of the full beam length. The two substantially identical child beams are formed with a symmetrical geometry with respect the central transverse plane.

[0017] The slat-receiving beam further comprises a central medial plane that is coplanar with the longitudinal beam axis and extends equidistantly intermediate the beam sidewalls orthogonally through the beam connecting wall. The beam has identical lateral halves extending about the central medial plane. When a first beam is assembled with a second beam or are mutually mated with one another according to a first application, the central medial planes of the two child beams are parallel to one another a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the material construction of the first and second beams.

[0018] It is noted that referring to the first beam being identical to the second beam includes any one of: the first and second beams are entirely identical, and / or it also includes when the first and second beam have portions with identical geometry, such as the slat receiving region or other portions which comprise the recesses.

[0019] Each of the beam sidewalls comprises a series of slat-receiving beam recesses evenly spaced and arranged along the longitudinal beam axis. Each slat-receiving beam recess is inclined or obliquely angled relative to the longitudinal beam axis . The slat-receiving beam recesses are each defined by an L-shaped slat support surface and a slat fixation surface. The L-shaped slat support surface comprises a slat support side surface and a slat support bottom surface. In the embodiment, the slat support surface is L-shaped to structurally approximate or more properly accommodate a slat thickness and a slat width of a slat received in a slat-receiving beam recess so as to ensure a tighter fit therebetween, and prevent displacements of a slat as received in the slatreceiving beam recess.

[0020] The slat fixation surface projects from the slat support bottom surface and is spaced thereby from the slat support side surface. The slat fixation surface of one of two neighboring slatreceiving beam recesses and a distal portion of the slat support side surface of the other of two neighboring slat-receiving beam recesses defines a fixation projection.

[0021] The slat-receiving beam may be formed from a material with certain inherent resiliency such that the fixation projections are optionally capable of elastic deflection for broadening the slat-receiving beam recesses in a direction away from the slat support side surface when a slat is received in the slat-receiving beam recess. In some applications, the slat-receiving beam comprises a material construction having a degree of rigidity greater than the material construction of the slats. The inherent resiliency or elasticity of the material of the beam may also be provided by specialized geometry of the fixation projections. In particular, optional tapered characteristics of the fixation projections enable enhanced resilient or elastic deformation of the material.

[0022] In a first application of the present subject matter, the slat-receiving beam is provided as part of a first kit or assembly component for providing a first alternative slat supporting assembly. The first alternative slat supporting assembly comprises a first beam substantially identical in form to a second beam. The first and second beams of the first beam kit or first alternative slat supporting assembly are configured for assembly in a mutually inverted orientation to form slatreceiving pockets from a first set of slat-receiving beam recesses of the first beam and a second, corresponding set of slat-receiving beam recesses of the second beam. The beam sidewalls of the first and second beams overlap when in assembled relation with one another to form the first alternative slat supporting assembly.

[0023] The slat-receiving pockets are formed from the slat-receiving beam recesses when the first and second beams are so overlapped. The degree of the overlap between opposed slat-receiving beam recesses is adjustable by firstly linearly displacing the second beam relative to the first beam in a direction parallel to the longitudinal beam axes to structurally accommodate slats of varying dimensions. In those applications where the maximized slat-receiving pocket is not evidenced, the certain end portions may be removed from the beam(s) to render flush the aligned beam ends of the first alternative slat support assembly.

[0024] The slat-receiving beam recesses are essentially structurally defined by a slat-receiving region formed by the slat fixation surface and the slat support bottom surface of a slat-receiving beam recess. In an application, both the slat fixation surface and the slat support bottom surface are formed with at least one protrusion protruding inwardly into the slat-receiving region. The slat support fixation surface comprises a fixation protrusion and the slat support bottom surface comprises a bottom support protrusion.

[0025] The fixation protrusions protrude from respective protrusion base portions inwardly into the slat-receiving region and terminate at protrusion terminus portions. The bottom support protrusions protrude from respective protrusion base portions inwardly into the slat-receiving region and terminate at protrusion terminus portions. The fixation protrusions essentially define or provide a first type of slat-locking teeth dimensioned to protrude into the slat-receiving region to an extent such that gaps formed between the slat fixation surface and the slat support side surface are lesser than the slat thickness of the slat as received within the slat-receiving pocket. The bottom support protrusions essentially define a second type of slat-locking teeth dimensioned to protrude into the slat-receiving region to an extent such that gaps formed between the slat support bottom surface and the opposed width- defining slat surface are lesser than the slat width of the slat as received within the slat-receiving pocket.

[0026] The protrusion terminus portions are dimensioned to form sharp or pointed tips or ends configured for optionally piercing a recess-received slat upon application of a mechanical force at or upon the recess-received slat. In other words, the locking teeth defined by the fixation protrusions and the bottom support protrusions are configured to respectively attenuate from protrusion base portions toward the protrusion terminus portions with a continuously tapering, acutely pointed shape.

[0027] In some embodiments, to install a slat into the first alternative slat support assembly, a slat is firstly inserted into a first set of paired slat-receiving recesses of a first beam along a first insertion path, which commences at a fixation projection distal portion and extends towards a fixation projection proximal portion, which is positioned proximally relative to the slat support bottom surface. Certain protrusion terminus portions are inclined downwardly along the insertion path so as to irremovably and firstly lock the slat into the slat-receiving recesses of the first beam. A first recess-received slat is then secondly inserted into a second set of slat-receiving beam recesses of a second beam along a second insertion path in substantially the same manner as insertion of the slat into the first set of slat-receiving beam recesses. After installation, each slat is secured in place by the slat-receiving pocket having two oppositely aligned fixation projections.

[0028] It is appreciated that the assembly of the beam(s) and slats may be formed in other manners and / or the steps may follow a different sequence.

[0029] In a second assembly embodiment according to the present subject matter, the slatreceiving beam according to the present subject matter is mated with at least one, but two, laterally opposed slotted jackets to form a second alternative slat support assembly. In this regard, it is contemplated the beam and slotted jackets may also be provided as elements of a second kit for providing the second alternative slat support assembly. The second alternative slat support assembly comprises a first beam and one or two slotted jackets, each of which are configured to receive a beam sidewall of the beam.

[0030] The slotted jackets each extend from a first jacket end to a second jacket end along a longitudinal jacket axis and comprise along at least a portion of a length of the slotted jacket a pair of spaced apart jacket sidewalls defining a sidewall-receiving slot. A plurality of slat-receiving jacket recesses are formed and arranged in the jacket sidewalls in spaced relation along the longitudinal jacket axis. The slat-receiving jacket recesses are formed with a geometry substantially similar to the slat-receiving beam recesses. The beam and the slotted jackets are configured for assembly in a mutually inverted orientation to form the slat-receiving pockets, which slat-receiving pockets are formed with a geometry substantially similar to the geometry of slat-receiving pockets.

[0031] A slat-receiving pocket is firstly formed from a first set of paired slat-receiving beam recesses of the beam and a second set of corresponding slat-receiving jacket recesses of the one or two slotted jackets. Together the slat-receiving beam recesses and the slat-receiving jacket recesses receive slats. Whereas the first alternative slat support assembly provides a pair of fixation projections at each slat-to-assembly junction site defined by the first slat-receiving pockets, the second slat-receiving pockets of the second alternative slat support assembly provide a series of three fixation projections at each slat-to-assembly junction site.

[0032] Both the first alternative slat support assembly and the second alternative slat support assembly may be optionally outfitted with an anchor assembly or anchoring unit for securing or anchoring either of the assemblies to a support structure or support surface exemplified by a ground surface. Either of the slat support assemblies comprise a first beam assembly end or beam anchor end portion. The anchoring assembly is attached to the beam anchor end portion for interfacing between the beam anchor end portion and the support structure or support surface.

[0033] When the anchor assembly is outfitted upon either of the first and second alternative slat support assemblies, anchor-reinforced slat-receiving pockets are provided at the beam anchor end portion. While the anchoring unit or anchoring assembly operates to anchor the first or second alternative slat support assemblies to a support structure or support surface, the anchoring unit or anchor assembly is an optional feature according to the present subject matter. Either the first or second alternative slat support assemblies can be alternatively anchored directly in the ground.

[0034] The first and second alternative slat support assemblies according to the present subject matter may be used in any number of application settings, and the anchoring assembly may be utilized in cooperative association with either of the first or second alternative slat support assemblies to anchor the same to a support structure or support surface. A first exemplary application scenario is the provision of a fence or fence-like assembly, which fence or fence-like assembly comprises a series of slat support assemblies; a series of slats and a support structure to which the anchor assembly and slat support assemblies may be anchored.

[0035] A second exemplary application scenario is the provision of a pergola assembly. The pergola assembly application may comprise a series of slat support assemblies each of which secures a series of slats to form a louvered pergola ceiling or pergola top. In this application, bottom beams of the series of slat support assemblies may be fastened to pergola top support beams of a pergola frame structure by way of a series of fasteners exemplified by screws or nut / bolt combinations. The slat-receiving pocket formations secure the slats to the slat support assemblies in a manner described in more detail hereinafter.

[0036] There is thus provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter a beam for accommodating a plurality of slats, each slat having a length, thickness and width. The beam extends from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis and comprises along at least a portion of a length of the beam at least two beam sidewalls connected by a connecting wall and spaced apart by the connecting wall along a first axis, which first axis is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the connecting wall. In some embodiments, each of the beam sidewalls extends away from the connecting wall along a second axis, which second axis is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and transverse to the connecting wall.

[0037] In some embodiments, each of the beam sidewalls is formed with a plurality of recesses arranged along the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, each recess has a recess height axis inclined relative to the longitudinal axis and is defined by an L-shaped like slat support surface and a slat fixation surface. The L-shaped slat support surface comprises a slat support side surface extending along the recess height axis and a slat support bottom surface extending transversely to the recess height axis. The slat support side surface has a first, proximal portion and a second, distal portion. The slat fixation surface projects from the slat support bottom surface and is spaced thereby from the slat support side surface. The slat fixation surface extends along the recess height axis. The slat fixation surface of one of the two neighboring recesses and the distal portion of the slat support side surface of the other of the two neighboring recesses define a fixation projection having such a height along the recess height axis and such a width so as to be capable of elastic deflection resulting in broadening the recess in a direction away from the slat support side surface when the slat is tightly received in the recess.

[0038] There is further provided in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter a beam for accommodating a plurality of slats, each slat having a length, thickness and width. The beam extends from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis and comprises along at least a portion of a length of the beam at least two beam sidewalls connected by a connecting wall and spaced apart by the connecting wall along a first axis, which first axis is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the connecting wall. Each of the beam sidewalls extends away from the connecting wall along a second axis, which second axis is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and transverse to the connecting wall.

[0039] In some embodiments, each of the beam sidewalls is formed with a plurality of recesses arranged along the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, each recess has a recess height axis inclined relative to the longitudinal axis and is defined by an L-shaped like slat support surface and a slat fixation surface. The L-shaped like slat support surface comprises a slat support side surface extending along the recess height axis and a slat support bottom surface extending transversely to the recess height axis. The slat support side surface has a first, proximal portion and a second, distal portion. The slat fixation surface projects from the slat support bottom surface and is spaced thereby from the slat support side surface. The slat fixation surface extends along the recess height axis. The slat fixation surface of one of the two neighboring recesses and the distal portion of the slat support side surface of the other of the two neighboring recesses defines a fixation projection. In some embodiments, each recess defines a slat-receiving region formed by the slat fixation surface for securing the slat in the recess. At least one protrusion is formed on any one of the slat fixation surface and the slat support surface and protrudes from its protrusion base portion inwardly into the slat-receiving region, terminating at its protrusion terminus portion. A gap is defined between the protrusion terminus portion and a surface of the slat, such that the slat surface is spaced away from the protrusion base portion. The protrusion defines a locking tooth dimensioned to protrude to an extent such that the gap is smaller than the thickness of the slat when the protrusion protrudes from at least one of the slat fixation surface and the slat support side surface; and smaller than the width of the slat when the protrusion protrudes from the slat support bottom surface.

[0040] In some embodiments the beam is a part of a kit for providing a slat supporting assembly, in which it constitutes a first beam and a second beam identical to the first beam. The two beams are configured for being assembled in a mutually inverted orientation to form pockets from a first recess of the first beam and a second corresponding recess of the second beam for receiving slats. In some embodiments the beam is a part of a kit for providing a slat supporting assembly in which it constitutes a first beam and one or two jackets. Each jacket is configured for receiving a beam sidewall. Each jacket extends from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal axis and comprises along at least a portion of a length of the jacket a pair of spaced apart jacket sidewalls being formed with a plurality of recesses arranged along the longitudinal axis. The jacket recesses are formed with a geometry similar to the beam recesses. The first beam and the one or two jackets are configured for being assembled in a mutually inverted orientation to form pockets, from a first recess of the first beam and a second, corresponding recess of the one or two jackets, for receiving the slats.

[0041] In some embodiments the fixation projection is dimensioned to an extent configured for overlapping a first fixation projection of the first recess with a second fixation projection of the second recess. In some embodiments the extent is at least 35% of a length of the slat support side surface. In some embodiments the extent is determined to facilitate overlapping to a degree operable for assembly of the first beam with the second beam, free of any additional mechanical fastening means. In some embodiments the extent is determined to facilitate overlapping to a degree operable for assembly of the first beam with the one or two jackets, free of any additional mechanical fastening means. In some embodiments the pocket is formed by overlapping when the second recess is positioned in an inverted orientation relative to the first recess, whereby a first slat support side surface of the pocket comprises the slat support side surface of the first recess and a second, parallel slat support side surface of the pocket comprises the slat support side surface of the second recess, and a first bottom surface of the pocket comprises the bottom surface of the first recess and a parallel, support top surface of the pocket comprises the slat support bottom surface of the second recess.

[0042] In some embodiments, a degree of overlapping is determined to be compatible with at least one of the width and thickness of the slat, for adjusting at least one of a height of the slat support side surface of the pocket to the width of the slat, and a breadth of the support bottom or top surface of the pocket to the thickness of the slat. In some embodiments the breadth of the slat thickness is constant, and the height of the pocket side surface is adjusted to the width of the slat. In some embodiments both the height of the pocket support side surface and the breadth of the pocket support bottom and top surfaces are adjusted to the respective width and thickness of the slat. In some embodiments the height of the adjusted pocket support side surface is configured to determine a magnitude of shading provided by the assembly.

[0043] In some embodiments the recess defines a slat-receiving region formed by the slat fixation surface and the slat support surface, and any one of the slat fixation surface and the slat support surface is formed with at least one protrusion protruding inwardly into the region. In some embodiments the protrusion protrudes from its protrusion base portion inwardly into the slatreceiving region and terminates at its protrusion terminus portion. A gap is defined between the protrusion terminus portion and a surface of the slat, such that the slat surface is spaced away from the protrusion base portion. The protrusion defines a locking tooth dimensioned to protrude to an extent such that the gap is smaller than the thickness of the slat, when the protrusion protrudes from at least one of the slat fixation surface and the slat support side surface, and smaller than the width of the slat, when the protrusion protrudes from the slat support bottom surface.

[0044] In some embodiments the locking tooth has a first side surface meeting a second side surface at the protrusion terminus portion of the locking tooth. In some embodiments the locking tooth is dimensioned to protrude to an extent such that a gap formed between the protrusion terminus portion and a pocket surface which is parallel and spaced away from the base portion is smaller than the thickness or the width of the slat. In some embodiments, the protrusion terminus portion is dimensioned to form a sharp end configured for piercing the slat upon application of a mechanical force on the slat. In some embodiments, the tooth first side surface at least partially faces the slat support side surface and the tooth second side surface at least partially faces the slat support bottom surface. In some embodiments, the tooth first side surface and the tooth second side surface are inclined thereby positioning the protrusion terminus portion to point towards the recess support bottom. In some embodiments, the locking tooth is configured to attenuate from its base portion towards its protrusion terminus portion. In some embodiments, the locking tooth is configured to bend inwards with respect to the first axis.

[0045] In some embodiments, the slat is inserted in a recess along an insertion path, which commences at a fixation projection distal portion and extends towards a fixation projection proximal portion, which is positioned proximally to the slat support bottom surface, and the protrusion terminus portion is inclined downwardly along the insertion path so as to irremovably lock the slat into the recess. In some embodiments, the tooth first side surface is configured to slope towards the protrusion terminus portion so as to guide the slat on its insertion path into the recess. In some embodiments the fixation projection distal portion is configured with a smooth contour so as to prevent inadvertent piercing of the slat along its insertion path. In some embodiments, the protrusion is configured with a continuously tapering, acutely pointed shape. In some embodiments, the protrusion protrudes from the slat support bottom surface forming a locking tooth which optionally constitutes an additional locking tooth. In some embodiments, the slat support side surface of the projection distal portion is at least partially configured to taper along the recess height axis.

[0046] In some embodiments the beam comprises a rigid material with a greater magnitude of rigidity than the slat. In some embodiments, the beam sidewalls and the connecting wall are arranged to be formed with a U-shape like profile for allowing a first and second beam of the two identical beams to be mutually insertable. In some embodiments the beam has a central plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is positioned equidistantly from the beam first end and second end, and is formed with a symmetrical geometry with respect the central plane. In some embodiments, a first end portion comprising the beam first end and a second end portion comprising the beam second end are formed with identical geometry. In some embodiments, a beam first end portion comprises the beam first end, and the beam further comprises an anchoring unit including a base plate and upright walls protruding from the base plate formed with a geometry that mates with the beam end portion.

[0047] In some embodiments, the upright walls include two anchor sidewalls connected by an anchor connecting wall and spaced apart by the anchor connecting wall, which is configured with a breadth, measured along the first axis, which is smaller than the breadth of the beam connecting wall, so as to allow insertion of the anchoring unit within the beam. In some embodiments, the thickness of the slat is smaller than the length of the slat support bottom surface and the width of the slat does not exceed the height of the slat support side surface. In some embodiments, a degree of elastic deflection corresponds to the thickness of the slat. In some embodiments, a degree of the elastic deflection corresponds to the difference between the thickness of the slat and the breadth of the support bottom surface. There is further provided in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter a kit for use in a slat supporting assembly comprising a single beam portionable into two identical beams; and optionally a plurality of slats. There is further provided in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter a kit for use in a slat supporting assembly comprising a single beam; one or two jackets, each configured for receiving a beam sidewall; and optionally a plurality of slats. In some embodiments the kit further comprises the anchoring unit.

[0048] There is further provided in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter a slat supporting assembly comprising a beam and a plurality of slats, wherein the assembly is configured to be assembled free of any additional mechanical fastening means. In some embodiments the assembly further comprises the anchoring unit. In some embodiments the assembly is configured to be assembled by anchoring a first beam of the two identical beams to any one of the anchoring unit and the ground. In some embodiments, the assembly forms at least a portion of a fence or a pergola.

[0049] There is further provided in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter certain methodology for assembling a slat supporting assembly, comprising the steps of optionally splitting a single beam into a first and a second, optionally identical, beam in case a single beam is provided; providing the first beam; anchoring the first beam to a base; positioning a slat in a recess of the first beam; applying a mechanical force on the slat so as to secure the slat in the recess; providing a corresponding structure comprising any one of the second beam or a jacket; inverting the corresponding structure along the longitudinal axis, with respect to the first beam; positioning the corresponding structure along the longitudinal axis and / or the second axis and applying a mechanical force on the corresponding structure, so as to form pockets adjusted to at least one of the thickness and width of the slat, the pockets being defined by the recess of the first beam positioned invertedly with respect to the second, corresponding recess of the corresponding structure. In some embodiments the assembly method is performed free of any other additional mechanical fastening means. In some embodiments the slat is secured in the recess by piercing the slat by a locking tooth. In some embodiments the fixation projection of the recess of the first beam overlaps with the fixation projection of the second, corresponding recess. EMBODIMENTS

[0050] A more specific description is provided in the Detailed Description whilst the following are non-limiting examples of different embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0051] 1. A beam for accommodating a plurality of slats, each slat having a length, thickness and width; the beam extending from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis and comprising along at least a portion of a length of the beam at least the following: two beam sidewalls connected by a connecting wall and spaced apart by the connecting wall along a first axis, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the connecting wall, each of the beam sidewalls extending away from the connecting wall along a second axis, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and transverse to the connecting wall; each of the beam sidewalls being formed with a plurality of recesses arranged along said longitudinal axis; each recess having a recess height axis inclined relative to the longitudinal axis and being defined by: an L-shaped like slat support surface comprising a slat support side surface extending along the recess height axis and a slat support bottom surface extending transversely to the recess height axis, the slat support side surface having a first, proximal portion and a second, distal portion; and a slat fixation surface projecting from the slat support bottom surface and spaced thereby from the slat support side surface, the slat fixation surface extending along the recess height axis, the slat fixation surface of one of the two neighboring recesses and the distal portion of the slat support side surface of the other of the two neighboring recesses defining a fixation projection having such a height along said recess height axis and such a width as to be capable of elastic deflection resulting in broadening said recess in a direction away from the slat support side surface when said slat is tightly received in the recess.

[0052] 2. A beam for accommodating a plurality of slats, each slat having a length, thickness and width; the beam extending from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis and comprising along at least a portion of a length of the beam at least the following: two beam sidewalls connected by a connecting wall and spaced apart by the connecting wall along a first axis, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the connecting wall, each of the beam sidewalls extending away from the connecting wall along a second axis, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and transverse to the connecting wall; each of the beam sidewalls being formed with a plurality of recesses arranged along said longitudinal axis; each recess having a recess height axis inclined relative to the longitudinal axis and being defined by: an L-shaped like slat support surface comprising a slat support side surface extending along the recess height axis and a slat support bottom surface extending transversely to the recess height axis, the slat support side surface having a first, proximal portion and a second, distal portion; and a slat fixation surface projecting from the slat support bottom surface and spaced thereby from the slat support side surface, said slat fixation surface extending along the recess height axis, said slat fixation surface of one of the two neighboring recesses and the distal portion of the slat support side surface of the other of the two neighboring recesses defining a fixation projection; the recess defining a slat-receiving region formed by said slat fixation surface and said slat support surface for securing the slat in the recess, at least one protrusion formed on any one of said slat fixation surface and said slat support surface and protruding from its protrusion base portion inwardly into the slat-receiving region and terminating at its protrusion terminus portion, a gap defined between the protrusion terminus portion and a surface of the slat, the slat surface being spaced away from the protrusion base portion, wherein the protrusion defines a locking tooth dimensioned to protrude to an extent such that the gap is: smaller than the thickness of said slat, when the protrusion protrudes from at least one of the slat fixation surface and the slat support side surface; and smaller than the width of said slat, when the protrusion protrudes from the slat support bottom surface.

[0053] 3. The beam according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein said beam is a part of a kit for providing a slat supporting assembly, in which it constitutes a first beam, said assembly further comprises a second beam identical to the first beam, the two beams configured for being assembled in a mutually inverted orientation to form pockets, from a first recess of the first beam and a second, corresponding recess of the second beam, for receiving said slats.

[0054] 4. The beam according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein said beam is a part of a kit for providing a slat supporting assembly in which it constitutes a first beam, said assembly further comprising one or two jackets, each configured for receiving the beam sidewall, wherein the jacket extends from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal axis and comprises along at least a portion of a length of the jacket a pair of spaced apart jacket sidewalls being formed with a plurality of recesses arranged along the longitudinal axis, the jacket recesses being formed with a geometry similar to the beam recesses, the first beam and the one or two jackets configured for being assembled in a mutually inverted orientation to form pockets, from a first recess of the first beam and a second, corresponding recess of the one or two jackets, for receiving said slats.

[0055] 5. The beam according to embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the fixation projection is dimensioned to an extent configured for overlapping a first fixation projection of first recess with a second fixation projection of the second recess.

[0056] 6. The beam according to embodiment 5, wherein said extent is at least 35% of a length of the slat support side surface.

[0057] 7. The beam according to embodiment 5 or 6 when dependent on embodiment 3, wherein said extent is determined to facilitate said overlapping to a degree operable for assembly of the first beam with the second beam, free of any additional mechanical fastening means. 8. The beam according to embodiment 5 or 6 when dependent on embodiment 4, wherein said extent is determined to facilitate said overlapping to a degree operable for assembly of the first beam with the one or two jackets, free of any additional mechanical fastening means.

[0058] 9. The beam according to any one of embodiments 3-8, wherein said pocket is formed by said overlapping when the second recess is positioned in an inverted orientation relative to the first recess, whereby: a first slat support side surface of said pocket comprises the slat support side surface of the first recess and a second, parallel slat support side surface of said pocket comprises the slat support side surface of the second recess, and a first bottom surface of said pocket comprises the bottom surface of the first recess and a parallel, support top surface of said pocket comprises the slat support bottom surface of the second recess.

[0059] 10. The beam according to embodiment 9, wherein a degree of said overlapping is determined to be compatible with at least one of the width and thickness of said slat, for adjusting at least one of: a height the slat support side surface of said pocket to the width of said slat, and a breadth of the support bottom or top surface of said pocket to the thickness of said slat.

[0060] 11. The beam according to embodiment 10, wherein the breadth of the slat thickness is constant, and the height of the pocket side surface is adjusted to the width of said slat.

[0061] 12. The beam according to embodiment 10, wherein both the height of the pocket support side surface and the breadth of the pocket support bottom and top surfaces are adjusted to the respective width and thickness of said slat.

[0062] 13. The beam according to embodiment 10, wherein the height of the adjusted pocket support side surface is configured to determine a magnitude of shading provided by the assembly.

[0063] 14. The beam according to any one of embodiments 1, 3 and 5-13, wherein: said recess defines a slat-receiving region formed by the slat fixation surface and the slat support surface, and any one of the slat fixation surface and the slat support surface is formed with at least one protrusion protruding inwardly into the region.

[0064] 15. The beam according to embodiment 14, wherein the protrusion protrudes from its protrusion base portion inwardly into the slat-receiving region and terminating at its protrusion terminus portion, a gap is defined between the protrusion terminus portion and a surface of the slat, the slat surface being spaced away from the protrusion base portion, wherein the protrusion defines a locking tooth dimensioned to protrude to an extent such that the gap is: smaller than the thickness of said slat, when the protrusion protrudes from at least one of the slat fixation surface and the slat support side surface; and smaller than the width of said slat, when the protrusion protrudes from the slat support bottom surface.

[0065] 16. The beam according to any one of embodiments 2, 4 and 15, wherein the locking tooth has a first side surface meeting a second side surface at the protrusion terminus portion of the locking tooth.

[0066] 17. The beam according embodiment 16, wherein the locking tooth is dimensioned to protrude to an extent such that a gap formed between the protrusion terminus portion and a pocket surface which is parallel and spaced away from the base portion, is smaller than the thickness or the width of said slat.

[0067] 18. The beam according to embodiment any one of embodiments 16 or 17, wherein the protrusion terminus portion is dimensioned to form a sharp end configured for piercing said slat upon application of a mechanical force on said slat. 19. The beam according to any one of embodiments 16-18, wherein the tooth first side surface at least partially faces the slat support side surface and the tooth second side surface at least partially faces the slat support bottom surface.

[0068] 20. The beam according to any one of embodiments 16-19, wherein the tooth first side surface and the tooth second side surface are inclined thereby positioning the protrusion terminus portion to point towards the recess support bottom.

[0069] 21. The beam according to any one of embodiments 16-20, wherein the locking tooth is configured to attenuate from its base portion towards its protrusion terminus portion.

[0070] 22. The beam according to any one of embodiments 16-21, wherein the locking tooth is configured to bend inwards with respect to the first axis.

[0071] 23. The beam according to any one of embodiments 16-22, wherein said slat is inserted in said recess along an insertion path, which commences at a fixation projection distal portion and extends towards a fixation projection proximal portion, which is positioned proximally to the slat support bottom surface, and the protrusion terminus portion is inclined downwardly along the insertion path so as to irremovably lock said slat into said recess.

[0072] 24. The beam according to embodiment 23, wherein the tooth first side surface is configured to slope towards the protrusion terminus portion so as to guide said slat on its insertion path into said recess.

[0073] 25. The beam according to embodiment 23 or 24, wherein the fixation projection distal portion is configured with a smooth contour so as to prevent inadvertent piercing of said slat along its insertion path.

[0074] 26. The beam according to any one of embodiments 2, 4, 14-25, wherein the protrusion is configured with a continuously tapering, acutely pointed shape. 27. The beam according to any one of embodiments 2, 4, 14-26, wherein the protrusion protrudes from the slat support bottom surface forming a locking tooth which optionally constitutes an additional locking tooth.

[0075] 28. The beam according to any one of embodiments 23-27, wherein the slat support side surface of the projection distal portion is at least partially configured to taper along the recess height axis.

[0076] 29. The beam according to any one of the preceding embodiments wherein the beam comprises a rigid material with a greater magnitude of rigidity than said slat.

[0077] 30. The beam according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the beam sidewalls and the connecting wall are arranged to be formed with a U-shape like profile for allowing a first and second beam of the two identical beams to be mutually insertable.

[0078] 31. The beam according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the beam: has a central plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is positioned equidistantly from the beam first end and second end, and is formed with a symmetrical geometry with respect the central plane.

[0079] 32. The beam according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein a first end portion comprising the beam first end and a second end portion comprising the beam second end, are formed with identical geometry.

[0080] 33. The beam according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein a beam first end portion comprises the beam first end, and the beam further comprises an anchoring unit including a base plate and upright walls protruding from the base plate and formed with a geometry that mates with the beam end portion.

[0081] 34. The beam according to embodiment 33, wherein the upright walls include two anchor sidewalls connected by an anchor connecting wall and spaced apart by the anchor connecting wall, which is configured with a breadth, measured along the first axis, which is smaller than the breadth of the beam connecting wall, so as to allow insertion of the anchoring unit within the beam.

[0082] 35. The beam according to anyone of the preceding embodiments, wherein the thickness of said slat is smaller than the length of the slat support bottom surface and the width of said slat does not exceed the height of the slat support side surface.

[0083] 36. The beam according to embodiment 1, wherein a degree of said elastic deflection corresponds to the thickness of said slat.

[0084] 37. The beam according to embodiment 1 or embodiment 3, wherein a degree of said elastic deflection corresponds to the difference between the thickness of said slat and the breadth of the support bottom surface.

[0085] 38. A kit for use in a slat supporting assembly comprising: a single beam according the beam of any one of the preceding embodiments, portionable into the two identical beams; and optionally a plurality of slats.

[0086] 39. A kit for use in a slat supporting assembly comprising: a single beam according the beam of any one of the preceding embodiments; one or two jackets, each configured for receiving the beam sidewall; and optionally a plurality of slats.

[0087] 40. The kit according to embodiment 38 or 39, when dependent on embodiment 33 or 34, and further comprising the anchoring unit.

[0088] 41. A slat supporting assembly comprising: a beam according to any one of embodiments 1-37; and a plurality of slats, wherein the assembly is configured to be assembled free of any additional mechanical fastening means.

[0089] 42. The slat supporting assembly according to embodiment 41, when dependent on embodiment 33 or 34, and further comprising the anchoring unit.

[0090] 43. The slat supporting assembly according to embodiment 42, wherein the assembly is configured to be assembled by anchoring a first beam of the two identical beams to any one of the anchoring unit and the ground.

[0091] 44. The slat supporting assembly according to any one of embodiments 41-43, wherein the assembly forms at least a portion of a fence or a pergola.

[0092] 45. A method for assembling a slat supporting assembly, comprising: optionally splitting a single beam into a first and a second identical beam in case a single beam is provided; providing the first beam comprising the beam according to any one of embodiments 1-37; anchoring the first beam to a base; positioning a slat in said recess of the first beam; applying a mechanical force on said slat so as to secure said slat in said recess; providing a corresponding structure comprising any one of the second beam or the jacket of embodiment 3, inverting the corresponding structure along the longitudinal axis, with respect to the first beam; positioning the corresponding structure along the longitudinal axis and / or the second axis and applying a mechanical force on the corresponding structure, so as to form pockets adjusted to at least one of the thickness and width of said slat, the pockets defined by the recess of the first beam positioned invertedly with respect to the second, corresponding recess of the corresponding structure. 46. The method according to embodiment 45, wherein the assembling is performed free of any other additional mechanical fastening means.

[0093] 47. The method according to embodiment 45 or 46, when dependent on any one of embodiments 15-37, wherein securing said slat in said recess is performed by piercing the slat by the locking tooth.

[0094] 48. The method according to any one of embodiments 45-47, wherein said positioning comprises overlapping the fixation projection of the recess of the first beam with the fixation projection of the second, corresponding recess.

[0095] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0096] Other features and objectives of the present application will become more evident from a consideration of the following brief descriptions of patent drawings.

[0097] Figure No. 1 is a first rear or posterior perspective view of a length of beam according to an embodiment of the present application showing a series of slat-receiving recesses in spaced relation to one another along the length of the beam;

[0098] Figure No. 2A is an elevational edge view of a slat receivable by the length of beam otherwise depicted in Figure No. 1 showing a slat width and a slat thickness of the slat;

[0099] Figure No. 2B is an elevational front or anterior view of the slat receivable by the length of beam showing a slat length of the slat;

[0100] Figure No. 3 is a lateral view of a length of beam according to an embodiment of the present application showing the series of slat-receiving recesses in spaced relation to one another along the length of the beam;

[0101] Figure No. 4 is a first enlarged end view of the length of beam an embodiment of the present application showing a U-shaped transverse configuration of the beam;

[0102] Figure No. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary lateral view of a length of beam according to an embodiment of the present application enlarged to show in greater detail certain features of the slatreceiving recesses;

[0103] Figure No. 6A is a front or anterior view of a length of beam according to an embodiment of the present application; 1

[0104] Figure No. 6B is a rear or posterior view of a length of beam according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0105] Figure No. 7 is a lateral view of a first length of beam and a second length of beam inverted relative to the first length of beam and shown in exploded juxtaposed position before assembly to form a first alternative slat support assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0106] Figure No. 8 is a lateral view of the first length of beam and the second length of beam otherwise shown in Figure No. 7 in assembled relation with one another to form the first alternative slat support assembly with series of slat-receiving pockets according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0107] Figure No. 8A is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as enlarged and sectioned from Figure No. 8 to show in greater detail features of a slat-receiving pocket of the first alternative slat support assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0108] Figure No. 9 is a perspective view of the first alternative slat support assembly with a series of slat-receiving pockets according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0109] Figure No. 10 is an enlarged end view of the first alternative slat support assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0110] Figure No. 11A is a first elevational view of the first alternative slat support assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0111] Figure No. 1 IB is a second elevational view of the first alternative slat support assembly otherwise shown in Figure No. 11 A shown in inverted relation thereto;

[0112] Figure No. 12A is a perspective view of the first alternative slat support assembly according to an embodiment of the present application shown in a first condition of use to secure slats of minimized slat width;

[0113] Figure No. 12B is a perspective view of the first alternative slat support assembly according to an embodiment of the present application shown in a second condition of use to secure slats with a slat width greater than the minimized slat width configuration otherwise depicted in Figure No. 12 A;

[0114] Figure No. 12C is a perspective view of the first alternative slat support assembly according to an embodiment of the present application shown in a third condition of use to secure slats of maximized slat width; Figure No. 13 is a lateral view of the first alternative slat support assembly shown with a series of pocket-secured slats as received and secured within the slat-receiving pockets according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0115] Figure No. 13 A is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as enlarged and sectioned from Figure No. 13 to show in greater detail features of a slat-receiving pocket with pocket-secured slat according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0116] Figure No. 13B is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a slat-receiving pocket of the first alternative slat support assembly showing a phantom slat positioned within a slat-receiving pocket according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0117] Figure No. 13C is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as enlarged and sectioned from Figure No. 13B to show in greater detail features of a fixation projection of a slat-receiving recess of the slat-receiving pocket;

[0118] Figure No. 14A is a diagrammatic depiction of a fixation protrusion of a fixation projection of a slat-receiving recess according to an embodiment of the present application shown extending in first and third dimensions;

[0119] Figure No. 14B is a diagrammatic depiction of a first alternative fixation protrusion of a fixation projection of a slat-receiving recess according to an embodiment of the present application shown extending in first and second dimensions;

[0120] Figure No. 14C is a diagrammatic depiction of a second alternative fixation protrusion of a fixation projection of a slat-receiving recess according to an embodiment of the present application shown extending in first and second dimensions and highlighting a bend feature of the second alternative fixation protrusion;

[0121] Figure No. 15 is a perspective view of a second alternative slat support assembly according to an embodiment of the present application showing slotted jackets outfitted upon a first length of beam;

[0122] Figure No. 16 is a second rear or posterior perspective view of the length of beam as otherwise depicted in Figure No. 15 showing a plurality of slat-receiving recesses in spaced relation to one another along the length of the beam;

[0123] Figure No. 17 is a front or anterior perspective view of laterally opposed slotted jackets as otherwise depicted in Figure No. 15 showing a plurality of slat-receiving recesses in spaced relation to one another along the length of the slotted jackets; Figure No. 18A is a second enlarged end view of the length of beam otherwise depicted in Figure No. 15 showing a U-shaped transverse configuration of the beam;

[0124] Figure No. 18B is an enlarged end view of the laterally opposed slotted jackets as otherwise depicted in Figure No. 15 and shown in a configuration for receiving the beam sidewalls of the length of beam otherwise depicted in Figure No. 18A;

[0125] Figure No. 18C is an enlarged end view of the length of beam otherwise shown in Figure No. 18A and laterally opposed slotted jackets as otherwise depicted in Figure No. 18B shown in an assembled configuration for providing the second alternative slat support assembly;

[0126] Figure No. 19A is an elevational front or anterior view of the laterally opposed slotted jackets according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0127] Figure No. 19B is an elevational rear or posterior view of the laterally opposed slotted jackets according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0128] Figure No. 20 is a lateral view of the second alternative slat support assembly showing a series of slat-receiving pockets according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0129] Figure No. 21 is a lateral view of the second alternative slat support assembly shown with a series of pocket-secured slats as received and secured within the slat-receiving pockets according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0130] Figure No. 22 is a perspective view of the second alternative slat support assembly shown with a series of pocket-secured slats as received and secured within the slat-receiving pockets according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0131] Figure No. 23 is a top perspective view of an optional anchor unit or anchor assembly usable in combination with either the first alternative slat support assembly or the second alternative slat support assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0132] Figure No. 24 is an elevational lateral view of the optional anchor unit or anchor assembly usable in combination with either the first alternative slat support assembly or the second alternative slat support assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0133] Figure No. 25 is an elevational front or anterior view of the optional anchor unit or anchor assembly usable in combination with either the first alternative slat support assembly or the second alternative slat support assembly according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure No. 26 is an elevational rear or posterior view of the optional anchor unit or anchor assembly usable in combination with either the first alternative slat support assembly or the second alternative slat support assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0134] Figure No. 27 is a top end view of the optional anchor unit or anchor assembly usable in combination with either the first alternative slat support assembly or the second alternative slat support assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0135] Figure No. 28 is a top end view of the optional anchor unit or anchor assembly in assembled relation with the first alternative slat support assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0136] Figure No. 29 is a top perspective view of the optional anchor unit or anchor assembly in assembled relation with the first alternative slat support assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0137] Figure No. 30 is an elevational lateral view of the optional anchor unit or anchor assembly in assembled relation with the first alternative slat support assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0138] Figure No. 31 is a perspective view of a series of first alternative slat support assemblies shown anchored to a support structure by way of a series of anchor assemblies to position a series of slats in adjacency to the support structure as a first exemplary application of the slat-securing beam and slat support assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0139] Figure No. 32 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as enlarged and sectioned from Figure No. 31 to show in greater detail features of a singular first alternative slat support assembly with attached anchor assembly to position the series of slats;

[0140] Figure No. 33 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a singular first alternative slat support assembly with attached anchor assembly anchoring the ensemble to an underlying support surface exemplified by a ground surface;

[0141] Figure No. 34 is a perspective view of a series of first alternative slat support assemblies shown anchored to a pergola fame to position a series of slats in adjacency to the pergola frame as a second exemplary application of the slat-securing beam and slat support assembly according to an embodiment of the present application; and Figure No. 35 is an exploded perspective view of a series of first alternative slat support assemblies as exploded from Figure No. 34 to show relative position of the components of the first alternative slat support assembly and series of slats in adjacency to the pergola frame.

[0142] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0143] Referring now to the drawings with more specificity, the following specifications and the drawings submitted in support thereof generally describe and illustrate a basic slat-receiving or slat-supporting beam as at 10 for structurally receiving and securing a plurality or series of slats as at 11. Referencing Figure Nos. 2A and 2B, it will be seen that each slat 11 received and secured by the slat-supporting beam 10 according to the present disclosure has a slat length as at 104, a slat thickness as at 105 and a slat width as at 106. The beam 10 extends from a first beam end 12 to a second beam end 13 along a longitudinal beam axis 100 extending in a first dimension 101 and comprises two, laterally opposed beam sidewalls 14 connected by a beam connecting wall 15 extending along at least a portion of a length of the beam 10.

[0144] The laterally opposed beam sidewalls 14 are spaced apart by the beam connecting wall 15 along a first axis as at 111 extending in a second dimension 102, which first axis 111 is orthogonal to the longitudinal beam axis 100 and parallel to the beam connecting wall 15. Each of the beam sidewalls 14 extend away from the beam connecting wall 15 along a second axis as at 112, which second axis 112 extends in a third dimension 103 and is orthogonal to the longitudinal beam axis 100 and transverse to the beam connecting wall 15. Comparatively referencing Figure Nos. 4 and 10, the reader will there see the beam sidewalls 14 and the beam connecting wall 15 are configured to form a U-shape transverse cross-section or end view profile as at 50 for allowing a first beam 10 and a second beam 10 to be mutually insertable or matable in a first application of the slatreceiving or slat-supporting beam 10 according to the present disclosure as generally depicted in Figure No. 10.

[0145] The slat-receiving or slat-supporting beam 10 according to the present disclosure comprises a central transverse plane as at 125 in Figure No. 3 that extends orthogonally relative to the longitudinal beam axis 100 and is positioned in a middle portion of the beam 10 along the longitudinal beam axis 100, such as in a non-limiting example, equidistantly or approximately equidistantly, from the first beam end 12 and the second beam end 13. When a parent beam 10 of full beam length is cut, severed, or portioned along the central transverse plane 125 (or in proximity thereto), two substantially identical child beams 10 can be formed each with a half beam length of the full beam length. The two substantially identical child beams 10 are formed with a symmetrical geometry with respect the central transverse plane 125.

[0146] It is noted that the terms “symmetrical geometry”, “identical geometry”, “substantially identical child beams” and “substantially identical beams” include any portion of the beam with respect to the central transverse plane 125, such as any portion along the slat-receiving region. For example, the first beam end 12 and the second beam end 13 may be identical.

[0147] In another example, any one or more of the recesses positioned along the beam equidistantly from central transverse plane 125, may have a symmetrical geometry or identical geometry. In such an example the first beam end 12 and the second beam end 13 may be identical or may be different.

[0148] Further, the slat-receiving or slat-supporting beam 10 according to the present disclosure further comprises a central medial plane as at 126 in Figure No. 4, which central medial plane 126 is coplanar with the longitudinal beam axis 100 and extends substantially equidistantly intermediate the beam sidewalls 14 orthogonally through the beam connecting wall 15. The beam 10 has identical lateral halves extending about the central medial plane 126. When first beam 10 is assembled with a second beam 10 or are mutually mated with one another according to a first application, the central medial planes 126 of the first and second child beams 10 are parallel to one another at a distance 132 which is substantially equal to the thickness of the material construction of the first and second child beams 10, as generally depicted in Figure No. 10.

[0149] Because the first beam end portion or first child beam 10 having the first beam end 12 and a second beam end portion or second child beam 10 having the second beam end 13 can be formed so as to have identical geometry, a user or consumer can purchase or obtain a parent beam 10 of virtually any desired length, and cut the parent beam 10 to desired child beam lengths in order to form matable first and second beams 10 of desired length(s). In other words, a single parent beam 10 can be purchased by a customer or other user and cut along the central transverse plane 125 to provide two child beams, which when mated or are mutually assembled with one another, yield a first alternative slat support assembly as at 25 as generally depicted in Figure Nos. 7 - 13C. By providing the parent beam 10 so configured, customers and other users can avoid having to purchase multiple, differently shaped beams. In some embodiments, this structural feature of the slat-receiving or slat-supporting beam 10 yields significant marketing advantages over other state- of-the art slat support beams, not the least of which is the reduction of cost and expense associated with multiple beam forms to achieve a desired slat support assembly.

[0150] Comparatively referencing Figure Nos. 3 and 5, the reader will see each of the beam sidewalls 14 comprises or is formed with a plurality of slat-receiving beam recesses 16 evenly spaced and arranged along the longitudinal beam axis 100 in the first dimension 101. Each slatreceiving beam recess 16 has a recess height axis 107 inclined or obliquely angle relative to the longitudinal beam axis 100 as at recess height axis angle 131 in Figure No. 5. The slat-receiving beam recesses 16 may be defined by (a) an L-shaped slat support surface 17 and a slat fixation surface 22. The L-shaped slat support surface 17 comprises a slat support side surface 18 that extends along the recess height axis 107 and a slat support bottom surface 19 that extends transversely to the recess height axis 107. The slat support side surface 18 has a first, proximal portion 20 and a second, distal portion 21. The slat support surface 17 need not be strictly L- shaped and can be formed in other shapes including circular or rounded slat-opposing surfaces. In an embodiment, the slat support surface 17 is L-shaped to structurally approximate or more properly accommodate the slat thickness 105 and the slat width 106 of a slat 11 as received in a slat-receiving beam recess 16 so as to ensure a tighter fit therebetween and prevent displacements of a slat 11 as received in the slat-receiving beam recess 16.

[0151] The slat fixation surface 22 projects from the slat support bottom surface 19 and is spaced thereby from the slat support side surface 18. The slat fixation surface 22 generally extends along the recess height axis 107. The slat fixation surface 22 of one of two neighboring slat-receiving beam recesses 16 and the second, distal portion 21 of the slat support side surface 18 of the other of two neighboring slat-receiving beam recesses 16 together define a fixation projection 23. Each fixation projection 23 has a projection height as at 108 along or in the same direction as the recess height axis 107 and a projection width as at 109 in a direction orthogonal to the recess height axis 107.

[0152] The beam 10 may be formed from a material with certain inherent resiliency such that the fixation projection 23 is optionally capable of elastic deflection as depicted at 114 resulting in a broadening of the slat-receiving beam recess 16 in a direction 115 away from the slat support side surface 18 when a slat 11 is tightly received in the slat-receiving beam recess 16. In this last regard, the present disclosure also contemplates beam embodiments formed from substantially rigid materials that do not exhibit notable resiliency or elasticity, and in these embodiments, the fixation projection 23 does not deflect when a slat 11 is received in the slat-receiving beam recess 16. In such embodiments, the fixation projection 23 can remain fixed in an upright position and does not deflect as at 114 such as when the beam 10 is formed with smooth sidewalls sized and shaped to slidably receive a slat 11 with slat thickness 105 and slat width 106.

[0153] In some embodiments, the beam 10 according to the present disclosure comprises a material construction having a degree of rigidity greater than the material construction of the slats 11. In this regard, it is contemplated that the beams 10 according to the present disclosure are formed from substantially rigid metallic materials exemplified by galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum in accordance with a non-limiting example. In those cases where a substantially rigid material is used to form the beam 10, the resiliency or elasticity of the material is provided by specialized geometry of the fixation projections 23. In particular, optional tapered characteristics of the fixation projections 23 enable enhanced resilient or elastic deformation of the material. Alternatively, the fixation projections 23 may optionally be formed from a material composition with certain inherent resiliency when elastically actuable fixation projections 23 are required by the application.

[0154] In an embodiment, the slat thickness 105 of a slat 11 is lesser or smaller than the length of the slat support bottom surface 19 and the slat width 106 of the slat 11 does not exceed the height of the slat support side surface 18. It will be noted, however, the first and second beams 10 forming the first alternative slat support assembly 25 are displaceable relative to one another for structurally accommodating slats 11 of varying dimensions as generally depicted in Figure Nos. 12A through 12C. Further, in certain optional embodiments, the fixation projections 23 are elastically actuable to allow for elastic deflection 114 thereof. The degree of the elastic deflection corresponds to the slat thickness 105 of a slat 11 as received in the slat-receiving beam recess 16. The degree of deflection can be derived from either a distance or angle of deflection. The angle of deflection angle is within a range of angles ranging from 0.5 to 90 degrees relative to the recess height axis angle 131. Typically the angle of deflection will be minimized to reduce stress / strain on the material construction of the fixation projections 23 and within ranges of 0.5 to 5 degrees of deflection as at 114. In another not-limiting example, the angle of deflection angle is within a range of angles ranging from 0.5 to 10 degrees relative to the recess height axis angle 131. The angle of deflection angle is within a range of angles ranging from 0.5 to 30 degrees relative to the recess height axis angle 131. In some embodiments, the degree of elastic deflection corresponds to the difference between the slat thickness 105 of the slat 11 and the breadth of the slat support bottom surface 19. In other words, if the slat thickness 105 is equal or greater than the breadth of the slat support bottom surface 19, the fixation projection 23 will deflect to a degree corresponding to the difference in slat thickness 105 relative to the breadth of the slat support bottom surface 19, which differences may be slight. Since slat thicknesses 105 of slats 11 may differ slightly due to manufacturing or milling discrepancies, the fixation projections 23 may deflect as necessary to structurally receive slats 11 having slightly greater slat thicknesses 105 as compared to the breadth of the slat support bottom surface 19.

[0155] In a first application of the present disclosure, the beam 10 is provided as part of a first kit or assembly component for providing a first alternative slat supporting assembly 25. The first alternative slat supporting assembly 25 according to the present disclosure comprises two beams 10 or a first beam 10 identical in form to a second beam 10. The first and second beams 10 of the first beam kit or first alternative slat supporting assembly 25 are configured for assembly in a mutually inverted orientation as generally and comparatively depicted in Figure Nos. 7 and 8 to form slat-receiving pockets 24 from a first set of slat-receiving beam recesses 16 of the first beam 10 and a second, corresponding set of slat-receiving beam recesses 16 of the second beam 10. Further referencing Figure No. 10, it will be seen the beam sidewalls 14 of the first and second beams 10 overlap as at 116 when in assembled relation with one another to form the first alternative slat supporting assembly 25.

[0156] The slat-receiving pockets 24 are formed from the slat- receiving beam recesses 16 when the first and second beams 10 are so overlapped. In other words, to form a single slat-receiving pocket 24, a first slat-receiving beam recess 16 of a first beam 10 is positioned in an inverted orientation relative to a second slat-receiving beam recess 16 of a second beam 10. More particularly, each slat-receiving pocket 24 comprises a first slat support side surface of a first slatreceiving beam recess 16 of the first beam 10 and a second slat support side surface 18 of a second slat-receiving beam recess 16 of a second beam 10. Further, each slat- receiving pocket 24 comprises a first slat support bottom surface 19 of a first slat-receiving beam recess 16 and a second slat support bottom surface 19 of a second slat- receiving beam recess 16, which second slat support bottom surface 19 is structurally equivalent to a slat support top surface as at 28 in Figure No. 8A. The degree of the overlap between opposed slat-receiving beam recesses 16 is adjustable by firstly linearly displacing a second beam 10 relative to a first beam 10 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal beam axes 100 or in the first dimension 101 to structurally accommodate slats 11 of varying dimensions. In this regard, the reader is directed to Figure Nos. 12A through 12C, which figures are presented in side-by-side relation to one another for comparably showing a series of three first alternative slat support assemblies 25. Comparatively referencing Figure Nos. 12A through 12C, it will be seen that the slat-receiving pockets 24 of the first alternative slat support assemblies 25 may be differently dimensioned by adjusting or linearly displacing the first beam 10 relative to the second beam 10 in the direction of the longitudinal beam axes 100.

[0157] Figure No. 12A shows a series of minimized slat-receiving pockets 24 with maximized displacement of the first beam 10 relative to the second beam 10. Figure No. 12C, by contrast, shows a series of maximized slat-receiving pockets 24 with minimized displacement of the first beam 10 relative to the second beam 10. The embodiment depicted in Figure No. 12B shows slatreceiving pockets 24 having relatively greater dimensions than the slat-receiving pockets 24 shown in Figure No. 12A and relatively lesser dimensions than the slat-receiving pockets 24 shown in Figure No. 12C. In an application the second beam ends 13 of the beams 10 shown in Figure Nos. 12A and 12B are cut as at 117 to render flush the first beam ends 12 and second beam ends 13 of the beams 10 that form the first alternative slat support assemblies 25. The reader will see that the first beam end 12 of the first beam 10 is flush as at 118 with the second beam end 13 of the second beam 10 in Figure No. 12C, and this embodiment requires no cutting of the first and second beam ends 12 and 13.

[0158] Stated another way, a first beam 10 is linearly displaceable relative to a second beam 10 to provide an adjustable overlap feature of the first alternative slat support assembly 25 so that the first alternative slat support assembly 25 is structurally compatible with or structurally accommodates the slat width 106 of a slat 11 as received within the slat- receiving pocket 24. In other words, a pocket height as at 119 of opposed sets of slat support side surfaces 18 of the slatreceiving pocket 24 is adjusted by linearly displacing a first beam 10 relative to a second beam 10 in the direction of the longitudinal beam axes 100 or the first dimension 101 to structurally accommodate the slat width 106 of a slat 11 received in the slat-receiving pocket 24. In those applications where the maximized slat-receiving pockets 24 are not evidenced, the second beam ends 13 may be removed to render flush 118 the aligned first and second beam ends 12 and 13 of the first alternative slat support assembly 25.

[0159] In an application, the slat thickness 105 and the slat width 106 of the slat(s) 11 are constant, and the pocket height 119 of the pocket side surface is adjusted to the slat width 106 and slat thickness 105 of the slat(s) 11 as received in the slat-receiving pocket(s) 24. In other words, both the pocket height 119 of pocket support side surface and the breadth of the pocket support bottom surface 19 or pocket support top surface as at 28 are adjusted to the respective slat width 106 and slat thickness 105 of a pocket-received slat 11. The pocket height 119 of the adjusted pocket support side surface may also be configured to provide light-letting gaps between adjacent pocket- received slats 11 to determine or provide a select magnitude of light-shading or light-blocking utility provided by the first alternative slat support assembly 25. The reader will note that for a relatively reduced slat width 106 (and relative reduced pocket height 119), there is a relatively greater degree of overlap at the slat-receiving beam recesses 16. Accordingly the amount of lightletting spacing at the slat-receiving pockets 24 may be adjusted as desired by displacing a first beam 10 relative to the second beam 10 of the first alternative slat support assembly 25.

[0160] In some embodiments, the fixation projections 23 are dimensioned to form an overlap extent as generally depicted and referenced at 27 in Figure No. 8A. The overlap extents 27 are configured to overlap one another. In other words, a first fixation projection 23 of a first slatreceiving beam recess 16 of a first beam 10 overlaps a second fixation projection 23 of second slat-receiving beam recess 16 of a second beam 10 at the overlap extents 27. The overlap extents 27 are configured to overlap one another within a range of length percentages. In a non-limiting example, the overlap extents 27 are configured overlap at least 35% of a length of the slat support side surface 18. In a non-limiting example, the range of length percentages may range from at least 20% to at least 35% of a length of the slat support side surface 18. In a non-limiting example, the range of length percentages may range from at least 1% to at least 50% of a length of the slat support side surface 18. In a non-limiting example, the range of length percentages may range from at least 5% to at least 40% of a length of the slat support side surface 18. In a non-limiting example, the range of length percentages may range from at least 10% to at least 30% of a length of the slat support side surface 18. The overlap extents 27 are configured to facilitate fixation projection overlap to a degree operable for assembly of the first beam 10 with the second beam 10 while further securing a received slat 11 free of any additional mechanical fastening means. In other words, the overlap extents 27 bring the first and second opposing beams 10 into a tightly mated assembly about a slat 11 as received within the slat-receiving pocket 24 and no further fasteners or mechanical fastening means (e.g. screws) are required to hold the beams 10 together.

[0161] It will be recalled the slat-receiving beam recesses 16 are structurally defined by a slatreceiving region formed by slat support fixation surface as at 22 and slat support bottom surface as at 19 of a slat- receiving beam recess 16. In an application, both the slat fixation surface 22 and the slat support bottom surface 19 are formed with at least one protrusion protruding inwardly into the slat-receiving region. In an application, the slat support fixation surface 22 comprises a fixation protrusion as at 29 and the slat support bottom surface 19 comprises a bottom support protrusion as at 30.

[0162] Referencing Figure No. 13 A, the reader will there see that a slat width-defining gap 75 extends intermediate the termini 36 of bottom support protrusions 30 and the opposed heightdefining pocket surface 42 of the slat-receiving pocket 24, such at its termini 36 of opposed bottom support protrusions 30 or at the protrusion base portion 35 of opposed bottom support protrusions 30. A slat thickness-defining gap 76 extends intermediate the termini 32 of fixation protrusions 29 and the opposed width-defining pocket surface 41 of the slat-receiving pocket 24. In other words, a gap (e.g. the slat width-defining gap 75 and / or the slat thickness-defining gap 76) defined between the protrusion terminus portion (e.g. the respective termini 36 of bottom support protrusions 30 and / or the termini 32 of fixation protrusions 29) , and a surface of the slat (e.g. the respective, opposed height-defining pocket surface 42 also comprising the slat support bottom surface 19 and / or width-defining pocket surface 41 also comprising the slat support side surface 18), the slat surface being spaced away from the protrusion base portion (e.g. the respective protrusion base portion 35 and / or protrusion base portions 31). The protrusion (e.g. respective bottom support protrusions 30 and / or fixation protrusions 29) defines a locking tooth dimensioned to protrude to an extent such that at least when the slat 11 is secured in the recess 16 and contacting the slat support surface which is spaced away from the protrusion, the gap (75 and / or 76) is one or both of: smaller than the width 106 of said slat, when the protrusion 30 protrudes from the slat support bottom surface 19; and / or smaller than the thickness 105 of said slat, when the protrusion 29 protrudes from at least one of the slat fixation surface 22 and the slat support side surface 18. Accordingly, by virtue of the gaps 75 and / or 76 being smaller that the respective width 106 or thickness 105 of the slat 11, the locking teeth defined by the bottom support protrusion 30 and / or the fixation protrusions 29, is configured to grip or bite into the slat 11 when received in the slatreceiving pocket 24.

[0163] In some embodiments, the fixation protrusions 29 protrude from respective protrusion base portions as at 31 inwardly into the slat-receiving region and terminate at protrusion terminus portions 32. A first set of gaps 33 is defined between the protrusion terminus portions 32 and opposing thickness-defining slat surface 34 of the slat 11 such that the opposing thickness-defining slat surface 34 is spaced away from the protrusion base portions 31 and width-defining pocket surface 41 at opposed slat support side surface 18. The bottom support protrusions 30 protrude from respective protrusion base portions as at 35 inwardly into the slat-receiving region and terminate at protrusion terminus portions 36. A second set of gaps 37 is defined between the protrusion terminus portions 36 and opposing width-defining slat surface 38 of the slat 11 such that the opposing width- defining slat surface 38 is spaced away from the protrusion base portions 35 and height- defining pocket surface 42 at opposed slat support bottom surface 19.

[0164] In some embodiments, the fixation protrusions 29 define or provide a first type of slatlocking teeth dimensioned to protrude into the slat-receiving region to an extent such that the gaps 33 and / or gaps 76 between the slat fixation surface 22 and the slat support side surface 18 are lesser or smaller than the slat thickness 105 of the slat 11 as received within the slat-receiving pocket 24. The bottom support protrusions 30 essentially define a second type of slat-locking teeth dimensioned to protrude into the slat-receiving region to an extent such that the gaps 37 and / or gaps 77 between the slat support bottom surface 19 and the opposed width-defining slat surface 38 are lesser or smaller than the slat width 106 of the slat as received within the slat-receiving pocket 24.

[0165] In some embodiments, the locking teeth defined by the fixation protrusions 29 each comprise a first tooth side surface 39 that meets a second tooth side surface 40 at the protrusion terminus portion 32 of the locking teeth or fixation protrusions 29. The locking teeth defined by the fixation protrusions 29 are dimensioned to protrude to an extent such that the gap(s) 33 are formed between the protrusion terminus portions 32 and the width-defining pocket surface 41. These gap(s) 33 oppose the opposed thickness-defining surface 34 of the slats 11, which surface 34 is parallel and spaced away from the protrusion base portions as at 31 and the gap(s) 33 are singularly lesser or smaller than the slat thickness 105 of a recess-received slat 11.

[0166] In some embodiments, the locking teeth defined by the bottom support protrusions 30 comprise a first and second tooth side surfaces 43 that meet at the protrusion terminus portions 36 of the locking teeth or bottom support protrusions 30. The locking teeth defined by the bottom support protrusions 30 are dimensioned to protrude to an extent such that gap(s) 37 are formed between the protrusion terminus portions 36 and the height-defining pocket surface 42. These gap(s) 37 oppose the opposed width- defining surface 38 of the slats 11, which surface 38 is parallel and spaced away from the protrusion base portions as at 35 and the gap(s) 37 are singularly lesser or smaller than the slat width 106 of a recess-received slat 11.

[0167] In some embodiments, the protrusion terminus portions 32 and 36 are dimensioned to form sharpened or pointed tips or ends configured for optionally piercing a recess-received slat 11 upon application of a mechanical force at or upon the recess-received slat 11. The teeth first side surface 39 of the fixation protrusions 29 at least partially faces the slat support side surface 18 and the teeth second side surface 40 of the of the fixation protrusions 29 at least partially faces the slat support bottom surface 19. In some embodiments, the teeth first side surface 39 and the teeth second side surface 40 are inclined or oblique relative to one another thereby positioning the protrusion terminus portions 32 to point towards the recess support bottom at the slat support bottom surface 19. In some embodiments, the teeth first side surface 39 and the teeth second side surface 40 are not inclined relative to one another.

[0168] In some embodiments, the locking teeth defined by the fixation protrusions 29 and the bottom support protrusions 30 are configured to respectively attenuate from protrusion base portions 31 and 35 toward the protrusion terminus portions 32 and 36. In other words, the locking teeth are configured with a continuously tapering, acutely pointed shape. More particularly, the locking teeth defined by the fixation protrusions 29 and fixation protrusions 30 are configured to respectively attenuate from protrusion base portions 31 and 35 toward the protrusion terminus portions 32 and 36 in both the first and second dimensions 101 and 102 as comparatively depicted in Figure Nos. 13C and 14A. The locking teeth defined by the fixation protrusions 29 may optionally be configured to bend inwards with respect to a medial tooth plane 121 (or toward a laterally opposed locking tooth) in parallel relation to the longitudinal beam axis 100 as generally and comparatively depicted in Figure Nos. 14B and 14C. In some embodiments, the bend angle 122 of the locking teeth may be selected from a bend angle range of 20 to 40 degrees. In some embodiments, the bend angle 122 of the locking teeth may be selected from a bend angle range of 1 to 89 degrees. In some embodiments, the bend angle 122 of the locking teeth may be selected from a bend angle range of 10 to 70 degrees. In some embodiments, the bend angle 122 of the locking teeth may be selected from a bend angle range of 20 to 40 degrees.

[0169] In some embodiments, to install a slat 11 into the first alternative slat support assembly 25, a slat 11 is firstly inserted into a slat-receiving recess 16 of a first beam 10 along a first insertion path 123, which commences at a fixation projection distal portion 44 and extends towards a fixation projection proximal portion 45, which is positioned proximally relative to the slat support bottom surface 19 as generally depicted and referenced in Figure No. 13C. The protrusion terminus portions 32 are inclined downwardly along the insertion path 123 so as to irremovably and firstly lock the slat 11 into the slat-receiving recess 16 of the first beam 10. In this regard, the reader will note the teeth first side surface 39 is configured to slope towards the protrusion terminus portions 32 so as to guide the slat 11 as it traverses the first insertion path 123 into the slat-receiving beam recess 16 of the first beam 10.

[0170] The fixation projection distal portion 44 is configured with a rounded terminus and smooth slat-guiding surface as at inner projection surface 47 so as to prevent inadvertent piercing of the slat 11 as it traverses the first insertion path 123. An outer projection surface 48 at the fixation projection distal portion 44 is at least partially configured to taper in a direction oblique relative to the recess height axis 107. In other words, at least a portion of the outer projection surface 48 at the fixation projection distal portion 44 is obliquely angled as at angle 124 relative to an outer projection surface 49 at the fixation projection proximal portion 45. In some embodiments the locking teeth defined by the fixation protrusions 29 are configured to grip or bite into the slat 11 as received in the slat-receiving pocket 24. The installation process in these embodiments involves firstly directing a slat 11 with a driving or insertion force in the direction of the first insertion path

[0171] 123 of a first beam 10 until a first width-defining slat surface 38 engages a slat-locking tooth defined by a bottom support protrusion 30, which protrusion may also bite into the first widthdefining slat surface 38 as the installer may elect. This first step serves to firstly install the slat 11 into the first beam 10 or provide a firstly installed slat 11.

[0172] A second beam 10 is then inverted and positioned opposite the first beam 10 such that the first insertion path 123 of the second beam 10 is aligned opposite the first insertion path 123 of the first beam 10. The second beam 10 is then secondly directed with a driving or insertion force in the direction of the first insertion path 123 of the second beam 10 until a second width-defining slat surface 38 opposite the first width-defining slat surface 38 of the firstly installed slat 11 engages a slat-locking tooth defined by a bottom support protrusion 30 of the second beam 10. The bottom support protrusion 30 of the second beam 10 may also bite into the second widthdefining slat surface 38 as the installer may elect. This second step serves to finally install the slat 11 into the second beam 10 or provide a finally installed slat 11. A plurality of slats 11 may be finally installed by first directly directing a series of slats 11 into a first beam 10 as described above, and second directly the firstly installed slats 11 into a second beam 10 as here described. When required, the residual portion of the second beam 10 can be cut as at 117 as depicted in Figure Nos. 12A and 12B. This method allows assembling the assembly without additional fastening means.

[0173] It is appreciated that the assembly of the beams 10 may be performed in alternative manners and in a different sequence of steps. In a non-limiting example, the first and second beam 10 may be assembled together and thereafter the slats 11 may be inserted therein.

[0174] It will be recalled that the locking teeth defined by the fixation protrusions 29 are optionally practiced in either of at least two variations, including a tapered tooth configuration in at least the first and third dimensions 101 and 103, but optionally also in the second and third dimensions 102 and 103, and may also optionally comprise an inwardly bent configuration as generally depicted in Figure No. 14C. The inwardly bent configuration may also include a tapered tooth configuration. At least some of the structural variations of the locking teeth are designed with a view toward improving the locking functionality or to enhance optional piercing action of the locking teeth into slats 11 as received in the slat-receiving beam recesses 16.

[0175] In a second assembly embodiment according to the present disclosure, the slat-receiving or slat-supporting beam 10 according to the present disclosure is mated with at least one, or two, laterally opposed slotted jackets 51 to form a second alternative slat support assembly 52 as generally depicted and referenced in Figure Nos. 15 - 25. In this regard, it is contemplated that the beam 10 and slotted jackets 51 may be provided as elements of a second kit for providing the second alternative slat support assembly 52. The second alternative slat support assembly 52 comprises a first beam 10 and one or two slotted jackets 51. Each slotted jacket 51 is configured for receiving a beam sidewall 14 of the beam 10. The slotted jacket 51 extends from a first jacket end 53 to a second jacket end 54 along a longitudinal jacket axis 127 and comprises along at least a portion of a length of the slotted jacket 51 a pair of spaced apart jacket sidewalls 55 defining a beam sidewall-receiving slot 57 therebetween. A plurality of slat-receiving jacket recesses 56 are formed and arranged in the jacket sidewalls 55 in spaced relation to one another along the longitudinal jacket axis 127. The slatreceivingjacket recesses 56 are formed with a geometry substantially similar to the slat-receiving beam recesses 16. The beam 10 and the one or two slotted jackets 51 are configured for assembly in a mutually inverted orientation to form slat-receiving pockets 58, which slat-receiving pockets 58 are formed with a geometry substantially similar to the geometry of slat-receiving pockets 24.

[0176] A slat- receiving pocket 58 is firstly formed from a slat-receiving beam recess 16 of the beam 10 and a second set of corresponding slat-receiving jacket recesses 56 of the one or two slottedjackets 51. Together the slat-receiving beam recess 16 and the slat-receiving jacket recesses 56 receive slats 11. Whereas the first alternative slat support assembly 25 provides a pair of fixation projections 23 at each slat-to-assembly junction site defined by the slat-receiving pockets 24, the slat-receiving pockets 58 of the second alternative slat support assembly 52 provide a series of three fixation projections 23 at each slat-to-assembly junction site. A first fixation projection 23 is provided by the slat-receiving beam recess 16, and a pair of second fixation projections 23 is provided by the paired slat-receiving jacket recesses 56 as formed in the jacket sidewalls 55.

[0177] The fixation projections 23 of both the slat-receiving beam recesses 16 of the beam 10 and the slat-receiving jacket recesses 56 of the slottedjackets 51 are substantially similar, but because the slat- receiving jacket recesses 56 each comprise a pair of parallel fixation projections 23, the second alternative slat support assembly 52 may provide a relatively robust slat-securing arrangement. It will be recalled that the locking teeth defined by the fixation protrusions 29 and the bottom support protrusions 30 are configured to respectively attenuate from protrusion base portions 31 and 35 toward the protrusion terminus portions 32 and 36. In other words, the locking teeth are configured with a continuously tapering, acutely pointed shape at the protrusion terminus portions 32 and 36.

[0178] It is contemplated that the locking teeth are configured to respectively attenuate from protrusion base portions 31 and 35 toward the protrusion terminus portions 32 and 36 in both the second and third dimensions 102 and 103 as earlier described. In another embodiment, the locking teeth defined by the fixation protrusions 29 may optionally be configured to bend inwards with respect to a medial tooth plane 121 (or toward a laterally opposed locking tooth) in parallel relation to the longitudinal beam axis 100. In the case of the second alternative slat support assembly 52, bent locking teeth, with a bend angle range of 20 to 40 degrees, are more easily practiced with a minimized bend angle 122 to prevent damage to slotted jackets 51 as the beam sidewalls 14 are received therein. In other words, in the case of the second alternative slat support assembly 52, it is contemplated that a minimized bend angle 122 is so as to minimize contact with the inner surface of jacket sidewalls 55 as the beam sidewalls 14 are mated therewith.

[0179] The first alternative slat support assembly 25 and the second alternative slat support assembly 52 may both be optionally outfitted with an anchor assembly 59 or anchoring unit for securing or anchoring either of the assemblies 25 to 52 to a support structure 60 or support surface 80 (e.g. the ground) as generally depicted in Figure Nos. 31 and 33. Either of the assemblies 25 and 52 comprise a first beam assembly end or beam anchor end portion as at 61. The anchoring assembly 59 is attached to or mates with the beam anchor end portion 61 for interfacing between the beam anchor end portion 61 and the support structure 60 or support surface 80. The anchoring assembly 59 may be fastened to the support structure 60 or support surface 80 by way of a series of fastener-receiving apertures 62 and fasteners receivable by the fastener-receiving apertures 62 formed in a base plate 63 of the anchoring assembly 59.

[0180] The anchoring assembly 59 according to the present disclosure further comprises upright anchor walls extending or protruding from the base plate 63 and formed with substantially similar geometry to the beam anchor end portion 61. In some embodiments, the upright anchor walls include two, laterally opposed anchor sidewalls 64 connected by an anchor connecting wall 65. The anchor sidewalls 64 are spaced apart by the anchor connecting wall 65, which is configured with an anchor breadth 129, measured along the first axis 111 or in the second dimension 102. The anchor breadth 129 is lesser or smaller than the beam breadth 130 of the beam connecting walls 15 (measured as the distance between the second axes 112 or planes of the beam sidewalls 14) so as to allow insertion of the anchoring assembly 59 within either the first or second alternative slat support assemblies 25 or 52.

[0181] In an embodiment, each of the anchor sidewalls 64 comprise a full slat-receiving anchor recess as at 66 and an abbreviated slat-receiving recess as at 67 spaced from one another in the first dimension 101 to structurally correspond with either of the slat-receiving pockets 24 or slatreceiving pockets 58 of the first and second alternative slat support assemblies 25 or 52. Notably, the anchor recesses 66 and 67 are each characterized by comprising anchor-based fixation projections 68 that structurally cooperate with the fixation projections 23 of either the first and second alternative slat support assemblies 25 or 52. When the anchor assembly 59 is outfitted upon either of the first and second alternative slat support assemblies 25 or 52, anchor-reinforced slat-receiving pockets 69 are provided at the beam anchor end portion 61. While the anchoring unit or anchoring assembly 59 operates to anchor the first or second alternative slat support assemblies 25 or 52 to a support structure 60 or support surface 80, the anchoring unit or anchor assembly 59 is an optional feature according to the present disclosure. Either the first or second alternative slat support assemblies 25 or 52 can be alternatively anchored directly in the ground.

[0182] The first and second alternative slat support assemblies 25 and 52 according to the present disclosure may be used in any number of application settings, and the anchoring assembly 59 may be utilized in cooperative association with either of the first or second alternative slat support assemblies 25 or 52 to anchor the same to support structure 60 or support surface 80 to help anchor the assemblies 25 or 52 in certain application scenarios. A first exemplary application scenario is the provision of a fence or fence-like assembly 70 as generally depicted in Figure Nos. 31 - 33, which fence or fence-like assembly 70 comprises a series of slat support assemblies (e.g. slat support assemblies 25); a series of slats 11; and a support structure 60 (or a support surface 80) to which the anchor assembly 59 and slat support assemblies 25 or 52 may be anchored.

[0183] A second exemplary application scenario is the provision of a pergola assembly 71 as generally depicted in Figure Nos. 34 and 35. As illustrated in Figure Nos. 34 and 35, the pergola assembly 71 application may comprise a series of first alternative slat support assemblies 25 each of which secure a series of slats 11 to form a louvered pergola ceiling or pergola top as at 72. In this application, the bottom beams 10 of the series of first alternative slat support assemblies 25 may be fastened to pergola top support beams 73 of a pergola frame 74 structure by way of a series of fasteners exemplified by screws or nut / bolt combinations (not specifically illustrated). The slatreceiving pocket formations 24 secure the slats 11 to the first alternative slat support assemblies 25 in a manner described hereinabove.

[0184] The highlighted and alternative features of the present disclosure show the reader that the present disclosure covers a number of different embodiments. In this regard, it is noted that while the above descriptions contain much specificity, this specificity should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure, but rather as an exemplification of the disclosure. The essential disclosure may be said to teach or disclose a beam as at 10 for accommodating or securing a plurality of slats 11, each of which have a slat length, a slat thickness and a slat width. The beam accommodates or secures a plurality of slats without any additional mechanical fastening means.

[0185] The beam according to the present disclosure extends from a first beam end to a second beam end along a longitudinal beam axis and comprises along at least a portion of a length of the beam laterally opposed beam sidewalls connected by a connecting wall spaced apart by the connecting wall in a first dimension or first axis. The first axis is orthogonal to the longitudinal beam axis and parallel to the connecting wall. Each of the beam sidewalls extend away from the connecting wall along a second axis, which second axis is orthogonal to the longitudinal beam axis and transverse to the connecting wall. Each of the beam sidewalls are formed with a plurality of slat-receiving beam recesses arranged in spaced relation along the longitudinal beam axis. Each slat-receiving beam recess has a recess height axis inclined relative to the longitudinal beam axis.

[0186] The slat-receiving beam recesses formed in the beam sidewalls may be defined or characterized by an L-shaped slat support surface comprising a slat support side surface extending along the recess height axis and a slat support bottom surface extending transversely to the recess height axis. The slat support side surface has a first, proximal portion and a second, distal portion. A slat fixation surface projects from the support bottom surface and is spaced thereby from the slat support side surface extending along the recess height axis. The slat fixation surface of one of two neighboring recesses and the distal portion of the slat support side surface of the other of two neighboring recesses define a fixation projection having such a height along said height axis and such a width as to be capable of elastic deflection resulting in broadening a respective slatreceiving recess in a direction away from the slat support side surface when a slat is received therein.

[0187] The slat-receiving recesses each further define or are characterized by a slat-receiving region formed by the slat fixation surface for securing the slat in the slat-receiving recess. At least one protrusion formed on any one of the slat fixation surface and the slat support surface protrudes from a protrusion base portion inwardly into the slat-receiving region and terminates at a protrusion terminus portion. A gap is defined between the protrusion terminus portion and a surface of the slat when secured in the slat-receiving recess. The slat surface may be spaced away from the protrusion base portion. The protrusion defines a locking tooth dimensioned to protrude to an extent such that the gap is smaller than the thickness of the slat when the protrusion protrudes from at least one of the slat fixation surface and the support side surface; and smaller than the width of said slat, when the protrusion protrudes from the support bottom surface.

[0188] The beam is portionable or severable to form a first beam and a second beam. The first beam is matable with or mutually insertable with a second beam to form a first alternative slat support assembly as at 25 or mutually insertable with at least one, but two slotted jackets as at 51 to form a second alternative slat support assembly as at 52. The beam and slats may be provided as a kit for use as the first alternative slat support assembly and when so provided comprises a single beam portionable or severable into the two identical beams and, optionally, a plurality of slats. The kit according to the present disclosure may also be provided to include a single beam; one or two slotted jackets, each configured for receiving a beam sidewall; and optionally a plurality of slats. The slat support assemblies and kits according to the present disclosure may further comprise an anchoring unit or anchor assembly as at 59, which anchor assembly enables the user to anchor a beam end to a support structure or surface. The slat support assemblies and kits may be further provided to form at least a portion of a fence or a pergola.

[0189] The present disclosure further contemplates certain methodology for assembling a slat support assembly, comprising the steps of optionally splitting a single beam into a first and a second identical beam. The first beam may be anchored to a base exemplified by either a support structure or support surface. At least one slat is received in at least one slat-receiving recess of the first beam thereby firstly securing the slat. A mechanical force may be applied to the slat as received in a slat-receiving recess to mechanically secure the slat which process may secure the slat at least in part by piercing the slat with a locking tooth formed at the slat-receiving recess. A corresponding structure comprising any one of the second beam or a slotted jacket may be provided to mate with the first jacket to secondly secure the slat.

[0190] When the corresponding structure is a second beam, the second beam is inverted along the longitudinal beam axis relative to the first beam. The corresponding structure is positioned along the longitudinal beam axis and / or a second axis and a mechanical force may be applied to the corresponding structure. The corresponding structure operates to form slat-securing pockets the dimensions of which may be adjusted to structurally accommodate at least one of the slat thickness and the slat width of a slat as received in the slat-securing pockets. The slat-securing pockets are firstly defined or characterized by the slat-receiving recesses of the first beam and second defined or characterized by corresponding slat-securing recesses of the corresponding structure. Although the beam according to the present disclosure has been described by reference to at least a couple different slat support assemblies, kits in support thereof, an optional anchoring unit, and certain methodologies, it is not intended that the novel combinations or assemblies be limited thereby, but that modifications thereof are intended to be included as falling within the broad scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosure, the appended drawings, and the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A beam for accommodating a plurality of slats, each slat having a length, thickness and width; the beam extending from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis and comprising along at least a portion of a length of the beam at least the following: two beam sidewalls connected by a connecting wall and spaced apart by the connecting wall along a first axis, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the connecting wall, each of the beam sidewalls extending away from the connecting wall along a second axis, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and transverse to the connecting wall; each of the beam sidewalls being formed with a plurality of recesses arranged along said longitudinal axis; each recess having a recess height axis inclined relative to the longitudinal axis and being defined by: an L-shaped like slat support surface comprising a slat support side surface extending along the recess height axis and a slat support bottom surface extending transversely to the recess height axis, the slat support side surface having a first, proximal portion and a second, distal portion; and a slat fixation surface projecting from the slat support bottom surface and spaced thereby from the slat support side surface, the slat fixation surface extending along the recess height axis, the slat fixation surface of one of the two neighboring recesses and the distal portion of the slat support side surface of the other of the two neighboring recesses defining a fixation projection having such a height along said recess height axis and such a width as to be capable of elastic deflection resulting in broadening said recess in a direction away from the slat support side surface when said slat is tightly received in the recess.

2. A beam for accommodating a plurality of slats, each slat having a length, thickness and width; the beam extending from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis and comprising along at least a portion of a length of the beam at least the following:two beam sidewalls connected by a connecting wall and spaced apart by the connecting wall along a first axis, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the connecting wall, each of the beam sidewalls extending away from the connecting wall along a second axis, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and transverse to the connecting wall; each of the beam sidewalls being formed with a plurality of recesses arranged along said longitudinal axis; each recess having a recess height axis inclined relative to the longitudinal axis and being defined by: an L-shaped like slat support surface comprising a slat support side surface extending along the recess height axis and a slat support bottom surface extending transversely to the recess height axis, the slat support side surface having a first, proximal portion and a second, distal portion; and a slat fixation surface projecting from the slat support bottom surface and spaced thereby from the slat support side surface, said slat fixation surface extending along the recess height axis, said slat fixation surface of one of the two neighboring recesses and the distal portion of the slat support side surface of the other of the two neighboring recesses defining a fixation projection; the recess defining a slat-receiving region formed by said slat fixation surface and said slat support surface for securing the slat in the recess, at least one protrusion formed on any one of said slat fixation surface and said slat support surface and protruding from its protrusion base portion inwardly into the slatreceiving region and terminating at its protrusion terminus portion, a gap defined between the protrusion terminus portion and a surface of the slat, the slat surface being spaced away from the protrusion base portion, wherein the protrusion defines a locking tooth dimensioned to protrude to an extent such that the gap is: smaller than the thickness of said slat, when the protrusion protrudes from at least one of the slat fixation surface and the slat support side surface; and smaller than the width of said slat, when the protrusion protrudes from the slat support bottom surface.

3. The beam according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said beam is a part of a kit for providing a slat supporting assembly, in which it constitutes a first beam, said assembly further comprises a second beam identical to the first beam, the two beams configured for being assembled in a mutually inverted orientation to form pockets, from a first recess of the first beam and a second, corresponding recess of the second beam, for receiving said slats.

4. The beam according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said beam is a part of a kit for providing a slat supporting assembly in which it constitutes a first beam, said assembly further comprising one or two jackets, each configured for receiving the beam sidewall, wherein the jacket extends from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal axis and comprises along at least a portion of a length of the jacket a pair of spaced apart jacket sidewalls being formed with a plurality of recesses arranged along the longitudinal axis, the jacket recesses being formed with a geometry similar to the beam recesses, the first beam and the one or two jackets configured for being assembled in a mutually inverted orientation to form pockets, from a first recess of the first beam and a second, corresponding recess of the one or two jackets, for receiving said slats.

5. The beam according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the fixation projection is dimensioned to an extent configured for overlapping a first fixation projection of first recess with a second fixation projection of the second recess.

6. The beam according to claim 5, wherein said extent is at least 35% of a length of the slat support side surface.

7. The beam according to claim 5 or 6 when dependent on claim 3, wherein said extent is determined to facilitate said overlapping to a degree operable for assembly of the first beam with the second beam, free of any additional mechanical fastening means.

8. The beam according to claim 5 or 6 when dependent on claim 4, wherein said extent is determined to facilitate said overlapping to a degree operable for assembly of the first beam with the one or two jackets, free of any additional mechanical fastening means.

9. The beam according to any one of claims 3-8, wherein said pocket is formed by said overlapping when the second recess is positioned in an inverted orientation relative to the first recess, whereby: a first slat support side surface of said pocket comprises the slat support side surface of the first recess and a second, parallel slat support side surface of said pocket comprises the slat support side surface of the second recess, and a first bottom surface of said pocket comprises the bottom surface of the first recess and a parallel, support top surface of said pocket comprises the slat support bottom surface of the second recess.

10. The beam according to claim 9, wherein a degree of said overlapping is determined to be compatible with at least one of the width and thickness of said slat, for adjusting at least one of: a height the slat support side surface of said pocket to the width of said slat, and a breadth of the support bottom or top surface of said pocket to the thickness of said slat.

11. The beam according to claim 10, wherein the breadth of the slat thickness is constant, and the height of the pocket side surface is adjusted to the width of said slat.

12. The beam according to claim 10, wherein both the height of the pocket support side surface and the breadth of the pocket support bottom and top surfaces are adjusted to the respective width and thickness of said slat.

13. The beam according to claim 10, wherein the height of the adjusted pocket support side surface is configured to determine a magnitude of shading provided by the assembly.

14. The beam according to any one of claims 1, 3 and 5-13, wherein: said recess defines a slat-receiving region formed by the slat fixation surface and the slat support surface, and any one of the slat fixation surface and the slat support surface is formed with at least one protrusion protruding inwardly into the region.

15. The beam according to claim 14, wherein the protrusion protrudes from its protrusion base portion inwardly into the slat-receiving region and terminating at its protrusion terminus portion, a gap is defined between the protrusion terminus portion and a surface of the slat, the slat surface being spaced away from the protrusion base portion, wherein the protrusion defines a locking tooth dimensioned to protrude to an extent such that the gap is: smaller than the thickness of said slat, when the protrusion protrudes from at least one of the slat fixation surface and the slat support side surface; and smaller than the width of said slat, when the protrusion protrudes from the slat support bottom surface.

16. The beam according to any one of claims 2, 4 and 15, wherein the locking tooth has a first side surface meeting a second side surface at the protrusion terminus portion of the locking tooth.

17. The beam according claim 16, wherein the locking tooth is dimensioned to protrude to an extent such that a gap formed between the protrusion terminus portion and a pocket surface which is parallel and spaced away from the base portion, is smaller than the thickness or the width of said slat.

18. The beam according to claim any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein the protrusion terminus portion is dimensioned to form a sharp end configured for piercing said slat upon application of a mechanical force on said slat.

19. The beam according to any one of claims 16-18, wherein the tooth first side surface at least partially faces the slat support side surface and the tooth second side surface at least partially faces the slat support bottom surface.

20. The beam according to any one of claims 16-19, wherein the tooth first side surface and the tooth second side surface are inclined thereby positioning the protrusion terminus portion to point towards the recess support bottom.

21. The beam according to any one of claims 16-20, wherein the locking tooth is configured to attenuate from its base portion towards its protrusion terminus portion.

22. The beam according to any one of claims 16-21, wherein the locking tooth is configured to bend inwards with respect to the first axis.

23. The beam according to any one of claims 16-22, wherein said slat is inserted in said recess along an insertion path, which commences at a fixation projection distal portion and extends towards a fixation projection proximal portion, which is positioned proximally to the slat support bottom surface, and the protrusion terminus portion is inclined downwardly along the insertion path so as to irremovably lock said slat into said recess.

24. The beam according to claim 23, wherein the tooth first side surface is configured to slope towards the protrusion terminus portion so as to guide said slat on its insertion path into said recess.

25. The beam according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the fixation projection distal portion is configured with a smooth contour so as to prevent inadvertent piercing of said slat along its insertion path.

26. The beam according to any one of claims 2, 4, 14-25, wherein the protrusion is configured with a continuously tapering, acutely pointed shape.

27. The beam according to any one of claims 2, 4, 14-26, wherein the protrusion protrudes from the slat support bottom surface forming a locking tooth which optionally constitutes an additional locking tooth.

28. The beam according to any one of claims 23-27, wherein the slat support side surface of the projection distal portion is at least partially configured to taper along the recess height axis.

29. The beam according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the beam comprises a rigid material with a greater magnitude of rigidity than said slat.

30. The beam according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beam sidewalls and the connecting wall are arranged to be formed with a U-shape like profile for allowing a first and second beam of the two identical beams to be mutually insertable.

31. The beam according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beam: has a central plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is positioned equidistantly from the beam first end and second end, and is formed with a symmetrical geometry with respect the central plane.

32. The beam according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first end portion comprising the beam first end and a second end portion comprising the beam second end, are formed with identical geometry.

33. The beam according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a beam first end portion comprises the beam first end, and the beam further comprises an anchoring unit including a base plate and upright walls protruding from the base plate and formed with a geometry that mates with the beam end portion.

34. The beam according to claim 33, wherein the upright walls include two anchor sidewalls connected by an anchor connecting wall and spaced apart by the anchor connecting wall,which is configured with a breadth, measured along the first axis, which is smaller than the breadth of the beam connecting wall, so as to allow insertion of the anchoring unit within the beam.

35. The beam according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of said slat is smaller than the length of the slat support bottom surface and the width of said slat does not exceed the height of the slat support side surface.

36. The beam according to claim 1, wherein a degree of said elastic deflection corresponds to the thickness of said slat.

37. The beam according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein a degree of said elastic deflection corresponds to the difference between the thickness of said slat and the breadth of the support bottom surface.

38. A kit for use in a slat supporting assembly comprising: a single beam according the beam of any one of the preceding claims, portionable into the two identical beams; and optionally a plurality of slats.

39. A kit for use in a slat supporting assembly comprising: a single beam according the beam of any one of the preceding claims; one or two jackets, each configured for receiving the beam sidewall; and optionally a plurality of slats.

40. The kit according to claim 38 or 39, when dependent on claim 33 or 34, and further comprising the anchoring unit.

41. A slat supporting assembly comprising: a beam according to any one of claims 1-37; and a plurality of slats,wherein the assembly is configured to be assembled free of any additional mechanical fastening means.

42. The slat supporting assembly according to claim 41, when dependent on claim 33 or 34, and further comprising the anchoring unit.

43. The slat supporting assembly according to claim 42, wherein the assembly is configured to be assembled by anchoring a first beam of the two identical beams to any one of the anchoring unit and the ground.

44. The slat supporting assembly according to any one of claims 41-43, wherein the assembly forms at least a portion of a fence or a pergola.

45. A method for assembling a slat supporting assembly, comprising: optionally splitting a single beam into a first and a second identical beam in case a single beam is provided; providing the first beam comprising the beam according to any one of claims 1-37; anchoring the first beam to a base; positioning a slat in said recess of the first beam; applying a mechanical force on said slat so as to secure said slat in said recess; providing a corresponding structure comprising any one of the second beam or the jacket of claim 3, inverting the corresponding structure along the longitudinal axis, with respect to the first beam; positioning the corresponding structure along the longitudinal axis and / or the second axis and applying a mechanical force on the corresponding structure, so as to form pockets adjusted to at least one of the thickness and width of said slat, the pockets defined by the recess of the first beam positioned invertedly with respect to the second, corresponding recess of the corresponding structure.

46. The method according to claim 45, wherein the assembling is performed free of any other additional mechanical fastening means.

47. The method according to claim 45 or 46, when dependent on any one of claims 15-37, wherein securing said slat in said recess is performed by piercing the slat by the locking tooth.

48. The method according to any one of claims 45-47, wherein said positioning comprises overlapping the fixation projection of the recess of the first beam with the fixation projection of the second, corresponding recess.

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